Sowrey eager to stake a claim at Sixways

Worcester Warriors are building up impressive squad depth under Dean Ryan and nowhere is that more evident than at hooker.

Ben Sowrey started at Sixways against La Rochelle last time out but is yet to appear in the Warriors’ first four Aviva Premiership Rugby clashes.

Georgian international Jaba Bregvadze, Niall Annett of Emerging Ireland and former Cherry & White Dan George are all also competing for the No.2 shirt at Worcester.

And while Sowrey – formerly of Rotherham – impressed in the Warriors' 19-3 win over La Rochelle to kick off their European Challenge Cup campaign, the 24-year-old knows he cannot afford to rest on his laurels.

“Lads are competing for places throughout the team,” said the Leeds Academy youth product.

“These European games are a great opportunity to put your hand up and show the coaches what you can do.

“We all want to be playing in the Premiership, so Europe is where we have to stake our claim.

“Guys like Dan, Niall – not to mention Jaba now he has arrived from the World Cup – the competition at hooker is huge, we are all scrapping it out.

“But it’s a great environment, everyone is learning off each other and helping to get the best out but I make no bones about it – my aspiration is to be in the No.2 jersey.

“We are all in the same boat and if we are fighting hard it makes sure everyone is up to scratch.”

Next up for Ryan’s troops is a trip to Italy to take on Zebre – victory would give them a perfect two from two start to their European adventure.

With a trip to Twickenham to take on defending champions Saracens up next when Aviva Premiership Rugby returns the weekend after – now is the time to find some form.

And Sowrey admits solving Worcester’s travel woes is their first order of business.

“We have lost both of our away games in the league so far,” he added.

“So we want to get into the winning habit, particularly away from home and Zebre this weekend will be a good chance to show that.

“We have done a lot of analysis on them, they are a good side and we will need to be at our best.

“But with Saracens up next in the league at Twickenham it is a good time to try and get our preparation for away games right.”

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